Organization: University of Colorado Boulder Athletics
Position Title: Impact and Strategic Engagement Coordinator (McLendon Future Leader)
Reports to: Strategic Impact Leadership
Location: Boulder, CO
Search Contact: Prodigy Search
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BACKGROUND
The University of Colorado Boulder Athletics Department is committed to creating an environment where student-athletes can thrive both on and off the field. Through its Strategic Impact department, Colorado Athletics develops programming that promotes engagement, leadership, belonging, and meaningful connections while supporting the overall student-athlete experience.
As part of the McLendon Leadership Initiative (MLI), this fellowship provides emerging leaders with a hands-on opportunity to support student-athlete development while gaining practical experience in strategic engagement, relationship building, and collegiate athletics administration.
SUMMARY
The Impact and Strategic Engagement Coordinator will support student-facing programming within Strategic Impact by driving student-athlete engagement, building relationships across teams, and ensuring consistent participation in departmental initiatives.
This role will lead the coordination of student-athlete programming, engagement initiatives, and relationship-building efforts while collaborating with student-athletes, coaches, campus partners, and department staff. The ideal candidate is proactive, relationship-oriented, and passionate about creating meaningful experiences that strengthen community and belonging within collegiate athletics. This is a 10-month, full-time fellowship designed for individuals seeking hands-on experience in student-athlete development, strategic engagement, and college athletics administration.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Student-Athlete Engagement & Programming
- Lead the coordination and execution of student-athlete programming initiatives.
- Recruit and engage student-athletes to participate in Strategic Impact programs and events.
- Build relationships across athletic teams to drive consistent participation and engagement.
- Coordinate scheduling and logistics for team-based programming sessions.
- Track participation, engagement, and program feedback to support continuous improvement.
- Support affinity and celebratory programming, including Black Excellence Night, Latin & Hispanic Heritage Night, Buffs Lau, and related initiatives.
- Recruit and prepare student-athletes for leadership opportunities, including the Black Student-Athlete Summit and similar professional development experiences.
- Connect student-athletes with campus resources and Strategic Impact initiatives.
Student Storytelling & Media Engagement
- Engage directly with student-athletes to identify stories centered on identity, inclusion, and belonging.
- Facilitate thoughtful conversations that encourage authentic reflection and meaningful dialogue.
- Identify themes and insights that support future programming, storytelling, and engagement strategies.
- Build trusting relationships that foster open communication and authentic student experiences.
Student Staff Leadership
- Supervise and coordinate student staff and volunteers supporting Strategic Impact initiatives.
- Provide direction, communication, and accountability to support successful program execution.
Collaboration & Program Support
- Serve as a liaison between Strategic Impact, student-athletes, coaches, campus partners, and department staff.
- Develop collaborative relationships across departments to increase awareness and participation in Strategic Impact initiatives.
- Contribute ideas and feedback to strengthen student-athlete programming and engagement strategies.
- Assist with marketing and promotional efforts that increase program visibility and participation.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree required.
- Strong interest in student-athlete development, engagement, or collegiate athletics administration.
- Experience working with diverse populations and fostering inclusive environments is preferred.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining strong organizational skills.
- Comfortable engaging groups and continuing to develop facilitation skills.
- Self-starter who takes initiative and creates opportunities.
- Strong relationship builder with the ability to establish trust quickly.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Comfortable engaging in conversations surrounding identity, belonging, and lived experiences.
- Curious, personable, and confident asking thoughtful questions and building meaningful relationships.
- Adaptable and effective in both structured and evolving environments.
- Open to feedback with a commitment to continuous professional growth.
WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE
- Strong and consistent student-athlete participation across teams.
- High-quality engagement in programming and events.
- Meaningful relationships built among student-athletes, teams, campus partners, and Strategic Impact staff.
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CONTACT INFORMATION
Founded in 2007, Prodigy Search, located in the New York City suburb of Freehold, NJ, boasts over 80 years of experience in the sports and entertainment business. As a renowned nationwide leader in senior-level executive search, Prodigy Search has honed its business principles and expertise, establishing itself as the largest boutique recruiting agency in North America. We recruit with integrity, purpose, and passion.